School Counseling

Tolbert has two School Counselors. Both counselors are available for all students and families.

Mrs. Mooney & Mrs. McCauley

Mrs. Mooney

K - Gentrup, Krepinevich, Ruggiero

1 - Beck, Douglass, Klock, Sturman

2 - Allmond, Mangano, O'Hare

3 - Frosina, Galati, Matera

4 - Grant, Lampl,

5 - Galer, Green, Salva, Windle

Mrs. McCauley

K - Poplawski

1 - Sefton

2 - Dolinich, Lee

3 - Erickson, Morris

4 - Layne, Opauski, Robinson

5 - Buchan, Winsheimer

Role of the Elementary School Counselor

What are the benefits of a guidance and counseling program?

The guidance and counseling program in the elementary school promotes healthy child development and enhances student achievement. The program also helps provide for the early identification of problems in children and early intervention to prevent these problems from escalating and interfering with learning.

How does a school counselor provide services?

School counselors provide services to students, parents, school staff and the community in the following areas:

Classroom guidance lessons- Classroom guidance lessons are provided for each grade on a bi-weekly basis.These lessons incorporate academic, personal/social, and career development.Classroom activities focus on interpersonal skills, decision-making skills, self-awareness, and character education. See the above link for more information on the objectives of Classroom Guidance lessons.Parents are welcome to observe any Classroom Guidance lessons.Please call ahead for exact class times.

Small group counseling- The school counselor offers small groups which address a wide range of topics. Groups are usually made up with less than eight students in the same grade level and last 6-8 weeks.Group times are scheduled during the school day at a time that will impact the least amount of instructional time.Many groups are held during lunch periods.Group topics are offered twice per year with the exception of Changing Families and Grief, which last the entire school year.See the above link for group topics and objectives.

Individual counseling- The school counselor works with students on an individual basis to help meet the needs of the child.Individual counseling is usually short term and can focus on academic concerns, family issues or student attitudes and behaviors.

*Parental permission is required for individual and group counseling.

Why Do Parents Contact a School Counselor

Academic achievement

New school registration, orientation and transition

Special needs of students

Student crisis situations

Family transitions

Higher education issues

How Is a Student Referred to the School Counselor?

Self-referral

Teacher, administrator or staff referral

Parent referral

Counselor Observation

What are some of the tasks a school counselor "doesn't" do?

*The school counselor does not do testing or diagnosing. The counselor may help serve as the liaison between the specialists involved in this process, such as the school psychologist, or school social worker.

*The school counselor does not do "therapy," and will refer out to other professionals if deemed necessary.

*The school counselor does not handle discipline issues. However, the school counselor may follow up with this student if he/she is currently working with the counselor, or if the student is someone who may begin working with the counselor.